If there’s any meal that can truly claim “comfort food royalty,” it’s the Loaded Potato Meatloaf. Imagine juicy, savory meatloaf paired with creamy, cheesy loaded potatoes bursting with flavor and freshness—this is weeknight cooking at its absolute best! Every bite is an irresistible harmony of tender beef, melted cheese, and fluffy, buttery potatoes that’ll make the whole kitchen smell like a warm hug. Whether you’re serving a hungry crew or looking for hearty leftovers, this recipe promises to become one of your most-requested favorites!

Loaded Potato Meatloaf Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a supermarket sweep to make Loaded Potato Meatloaf shine—just a handful of classic, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to build up layers of flavor and texture that turn a humble dinner into something totally crave-worthy.

Ground beef: The star of the meatloaf, providing richness and that classic savory taste.
Onion: Finely chopped for sweet, aromatic depth in every bite of meatloaf.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a gentle warmth and savory undertone.
Breadcrumbs: Keep the meatloaf tender and moist—don’t skip these!
Egg: Helps bind all the meatloaf ingredients together for perfect slicing.
Milk: Adds extra moisture to prevent dryness.
Worcestershire sauce: Delivers a subtle, tangy savoriness that wakes up the whole dish.
Ketchup: A touch of tomato sweetness for balance and a hint of classic nostalgia.
Dried oregano: Offers a touch of herby, Mediterranean flair.
Dried basil: Brings a delightful freshness and color to the loaf.
Salt: Essential for seasoning, so every layer sings with flavor.
Black pepper: For that gentle heat and spice.
Russet potatoes: Perfect for baking and holding all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Butter: Melts into the potatoes for that unbeatably creamy texture.
Sour cream: Adds tang and moisture to make your mashed potatoes extra dreamy.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The melty, gooey element that makes these potatoes loaded.
Chopped green onions: For a burst of color and a bit of bite on top.
Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust your mashed potato seasoning to perfection.
Extra shredded cheese for topping: Because when is more cheese ever a bad thing?

How to Make Loaded Potato Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf

Set yourself up for success by gathering all your meatloaf ingredients. You’ll want to add the ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper into a large mixing bowl. Mix everything together just until it’s combined—over-mixing can make the loaf dense, so keep it gentle for a juicy, tender bite.

Step 2: Form the Meatloaf

Take that flavorful mixture and gently shape it into a loaf, either free-form on a sheet pan or neatly tucked inside a loaf pan. Aim for even thickness to ensure everything cooks through beautifully. Pop it into your preheated oven at 375°F and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden exterior and an internal temp of 160°F. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps keep all those savory juices right where you want them!

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

While your meatloaf is baking, it’s potato time! Scrub your russet potatoes well (skin-on for maximum flavor) and poke a few holes with a fork. Bake them right alongside the meatloaf for about 45 minutes, or if you’re short on time, microwave them for 8-10 minutes until tender. Once they’re cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the insides, setting the skins aside for later.

Step 4: Make the Loaded Potato Filling

Take the fluffy potato insides and mash them up with butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper. There’s something magical about that creamy, tangy blend! Once you’ve hit cloud-like smoothness, stir in the shredded cheddar and green onions so each bite is loaded (pun intended) with melty, cheesy, oniony goodness.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Loaded Potatoes

Generously stuff your seasoned, cheesy mash back into those waiting potato skins. Pile it high, then top each with even more shredded cheddar for that gooey, bubbling top. Return them to the oven for about 5-10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and irresistibly golden.

Step 6: Serve!

The final step: bring it all together! Slice your moist, aromatic meatloaf, serve alongside those fresh-from-the-oven loaded potatoes, and add your favorite toppings. Major comfort food moment achieved!

How to Serve Loaded Potato Meatloaf

Garnishes

One of my favorite tricks with Loaded Potato Meatloaf is to jazz up each serving with a flourish of freshly sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream right on top, or a pinch of extra black pepper. For special occasions, even a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or fresh parsley can make your plate look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

While this dish is already hearty, you can round out the meal with a crisp green salad, some garlicky roasted veggies, or steamed broccoli for a fresh pop of color and crunch. If you’re feeding a crowd, serve with classic dinner rolls or a tangy coleslaw for extra balance.

Creative Ways to Present

To give Loaded Potato Meatloaf a playful spin, try slicing the meatloaf into thick slabs and stacking them over the loaded potatoes for a stunning vertical presentation. For parties, scoop potato mixture into mini potato skins and plate alongside meatloaf sliders—guaranteed to wow your guests! Or, serve everything family-style so folks can build their own hearty plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Loaded Potato Meatloaf tastes just as fabulous the next day, if not better! Store meatloaf slices and loaded potatoes separately in airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to three days. Keeping them separate helps preserve the textures and flavors of each component.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the cooked meatloaf (whole or sliced) tightly wrapped for up to two months. The loaded potato skins also freeze well after baking—just place them on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the Loaded Potato Meatloaf with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—this keeps everything moist and delicious. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven is tops for preserving that cheesy topping and just-right meatloaf texture.

FAQs

Can I use different kinds of meat for the meatloaf?

Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a blend of beef and pork for extra juiciness. Just keep an eye on cook times, as leaner meats may finish a bit sooner.

What’s the best way to make the potato skins extra crispy?

Brushing the potato skins with a little oil or melted butter before stuffing and baking them adds a divine crispiness. A quick bake on their own before adding the filling works wonders, too.

Can I make Loaded Potato Meatloaf ahead of time?

You sure can! Assemble the meatloaf and prepare the potatoes up to a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, then bake and reheat as directed when you’re ready to serve.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatloaf, and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and other condiments are certified gluten-free to keep the dish safe for everyone.

What cheese works best for the potatoes?

Sharp cheddar is my go-to for the perfect melty, tangy topping, but feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack, gouda, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a twist on the classic.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Potato Meatloaf is pure comfort food magic, and I guarantee you’ll want to make it again and again. With every cheesy, savory forkful, you’re in for a homemade treat that brings a big smile to anyone at the table. So tie on that apron and give this feel-good favorite a try—your family and friends will thank you!